Table of Contents
- Why travel from Coimbatore to Chennai?
- Traveling from Coimbatore to Chennai by Car
- Best time to take a road trip by car
- How to Reach Chennai By Train
- How to Reach Chennai by Flight
- Places to eat along this route
- Other means of traveling
- Attractions in Chennai for Sightseeing
- Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Chennai
- Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Chennai
The capital city of Tamil Nadu and one of the largest metro cities of the country, Chennai is a city that balances ancient architecture and modern urban trappings. This city is a beautiful amalgamation of cultural extravaganza. The presence of gleaming beaches, eateries, religious spots such as temples and churches, historical attractions and a lot more makes this city worth exploring. With our tips and suggestions, you can take a tour of Chennai in a unique way and make the most of your trip.
Why travel from Coimbatore to Chennai?
Have you ever embarked on a road trip from Coimbatore to Chennai? By driving from Coimbatore to Chennai, you can experience the historical sites, traditional and modern culture, and scenic surroundings of the city. And by booking a Coimbatore to Chennai cab with Savaari, you also get the chance to customize your whole trip, including the itinerary, so you can make it an incredible travel experience!
Why travel from Coimbatore to Chennai by Car
The optimum distance from Coimbatore to Chennai by car, coupled with the excellent road conditions, makes traveling by road the most preferred choice of commute. The highway between the two cities passes through the interesting locales of Sankari, Villupuram and Vazhapadi.
Book our Coimbatore to Chennai trip packages and hire a car in Coimbatore to make the most of your road trip to Chennai with ample detours and sightseeing.
Best time to take a road trip from Coimbatore to Chennai by Car
Sitting right on the Bay of Bengal, Chennai experiences a coastal climate. The summers are generally hot and humid. So, the winter and monsoon months are the most popular time to travel to Chennai by road. After reaching the city, consider booking a Chennai car rental service for a comfortable and smooth journey within the city and its surrounding areas.This period is also best if you want to explore the outdoors.
Popular Routes from Coimbatore to Chennai
Route 1: Coimbatore to Chennai via NH544
If you are traveling by car, then NH544 is the best route to cover the Coimbatore to Chennai distance of around 507 km which takes about 9 hours. Before you plan your trip, remember that both Coimbatore and Chennai are prone to heavy traffic during specific hours of the day/week. Hence, it is important to check for live traffic updates and schedule your trip accordingly. With regular traffic, this trip should not take more than nine to ten hours.
Here’s a basic Coimbatore to Chennai road map for this route:
| Coimbatore — Sankari — Salem — Vazhapadi — Villupuram — Chengalpattu — Chennai |
|---|
Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:
- Veedur Dam – The Veedur Dam is a perfect break from the long drive. Spend some relaxing time at the dam before you continue with your trip. It is ideal for kids too.
- Om Shakthi Temple – This is a holy place that has been visited by people for the past 2000 years. At this temple, 21 Siddhars, men and women, have their Jeeva Samadhi. These Siddhars belong to various religions.
- Palar River View Point – This viewpoint offers some mesmerizing views of the Palar River.
- Kolavai Lake – Two kilometers from the Paranur Lake, is the Kolavai Lake which is the additional source of water to Chennai during crises. This is a perennial lake that doesn’t go dry even during the hot summer months.
- Paranur Lake – This can be another great place to stop for some bird-watching or reveling in the beauty of its surroundings.
- Arignar Anna Zoological Park – A 228.4 acre modern and scientifically managed zoo. Open from 9 am to 6 pm, you can absorb the serenity of nature or opt for a Lion and Deer Safari.
Places to eat along this route:
- Aachi Nagarathar Veg Restaurant, Maduranthakam – for authentic Chettinad food.
- Adyar Ananda Bhavan A2B Veg Restaurant – famous for its vegetarian South Indian food.
- Sappida Vanga Hotel, Maraimalai Nagar – a must-visit for South Indian food.
- Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant, Guduvanchery – good place for non-vegetarian food.
- Singapore’s Komala’s Restaurant, Urapakkam – for South Indian food.
- Faruuzi Multi Cuisine, Urapakkam – a great place for Arabian and North Indian food.
Route 2: Coimbatore to Chennai via NH544 and NH 48
If you prefer a more scenic route and don’t mind a few extra kilometers, then you can take the NH544 and connect to NH48 near Salem. The distance is around 526 km and the travel time is about 10 hours.
Here’s a basic Coimbatore to Chennai road map for this route:
| Coimbatore — Salem — Dharmapuri — Krishnagiri — Vellore — Chennai |
|---|
Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:
- Green Thunder Water Theme Park, Arcot – Good place for a break if you are traveling with kids or looking for respite during the heat of the day.
- Arulmigu Bhuvaneswari Amman Undanurai Agastheshwarar Temple, Walajah – An old temple set in beautiful surroundings.
- Sri Om Adisakthi Ashram, Uthirampattu – Visit this place for a divine experience.
- Varaheeswarar Temple, Damal – The temple of Lord Shiva that corresponds to His Varaha Avatar.
- Chembarambakkam Lake, Chennai – Around an hour from Chennai city, just off NH48 is Chembarambakkam Lake. It is a rain-fed reservoir and provides water to the city. Take a refreshing break at the lake before you enter the city.
Places to eat along this route:
While traveling from Coimbatore to Chennai, you will find numerous dhabas and restaurants offering lip-smacking food. Some options are:
- Ali’s Dhaba, Krishnagiri – Indian food
- Saisangeet Vegetarian Restaurant, Vellore – South Indian Restaurant
- Zaitoon Restaurant, Ambur – Multi-cuisine restaurant
- Anandhas Restaurant, Vellore – South Indian food
- Kumbakonam Degree Coffee Shop, Kumbakonam Bypass Road – For its exclusive ‘Degree’ coffee
- Saravana Bhavan, Kanchipuram – Lip-smacking South Indian food
- Punjabi Dhaba, Attuputhur – Taste of Punjab in Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore to Chennai best route
While you can take any of the two routes, we recommend Route 1 via NH544. The road conditions are excellent and the time taken is less. However, it is advisable to check live traffic updates before leaving for your trip.
A Roadtrip from Coimbatore to Chennai with Friends and Family
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Chennai by availing our tempo traveller service in Coimbatore, that is ideal for groups of 10 or more. These minibuses boast expansive luggage space and increased leg room, perfect for both young and elderly travelers. Revel in the journey with our superior audio system, ensuring a lively road trip atmosphere. Depend on our trustworthy service featuring punctual drivers, pristine vehicles, and transparent, budget-friendly pricing.
Other means of traveling from Coimbatore to Chennai
You can also travel from Coimbatore to Chennai by train or flight.
How to reach Chennai by train?
You can also cover the Coimbatore to Chennai distance by train, which is available daily. There are around 48 trains that ply between Coimbatore and Chennai, of which around 26 ply daily. So you can visit the Indian Railways website for your Coimbatore to Chennai train bookings, or choose your options from the multiple online portals.
The fastest train is the MGR Chennai Central – Thiruvananthapuram Central Super AC Express. The total time taken from Coimbatore to Chennai can vary between six and twelve hours, depending upon the train you choose. Therefore, for the updated Coimbatore to Chennai train timings, check with IRCTC for their latest timetables.
How to reach Chennai by flight?
There are many flights between Coimbatore and Chennai. Both cities have fully functional international airports. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is about 21 KM from the city centre. You can also directly book a taxi in Coimbatore to reach your destination.
Coimbatore to Chennai flight tickets can be booked online from the website of the airline or any third-party portal. A Coimbatore to Chennai flight ticket can cost you anywhere between INR 2500 and 3000, which will also depend on the booking window, available deals, and the travel season. You can hire a reliable Chennai airport taxi for a convenient ride to your hotel in the city.
Attractions in Chennai for Sightseeing
Chennai and its vicinity is blessed with endless natural and man-made wonders, making this the perfect starting point for uncountable road trips and places to visit nearby. From historical ancient towns to exotic beaches, there are endless possibilities for long vacations or quick weekend getaways from Chennai, every few hundred miles. Check out the best road trips you can embark on for a quick weekend getaway from Chennai.
- Marina Beach – the most popular and busiest beach in the city with recreational options.
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple – a 7th-century Shiva temple, known for its ornate Dravidian architecture.
- Government Museum – a state-run museum preserving historical artifacts and archeological findings dating back to Bronze Age and more.
- Edward Elliot’s Beach – the quieter urban beach of the city and a popular local and tourist haunt.
- Santhome Cathedral – the most famous cathedral of the city, known for its 19th-century Gothic architecture.
- Dakshina Chitra – a heritage museum with cultural exhibits and an arts centre.
- Valluvar Kottam – a heritage site and cultural venue dedicated to the historical poet Valluvar.
- Semmozhi Poonga – an expansive botanical garden with more than 500 varieties of exotic plants and flowers.
[Also read: Guide to Chennai’s beaches: Tourist attractions for all travellers]
Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Chennai
Chennai is a town that’s known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. Like any metro city, Chennai offers a varied palette that can satisfy any traveler’s taste buds.
These are some of the best-rated places to eat in Chennai –
- Murugan Idly Shop, E. 149/1, 6th Avenue, opp. Velankanni Church, GOCHS Colony, Besant Nagar
- Pumpkin Tales, 37, 20, Bheemanna Garden St, Alwarpet
- Amelie’s Cafe and Creamery, 6, Seshadri St, Venus Colony, Alwarpet
- Nair Mess, No.22, Mohammed Abdullah Sahib, 2nd St, Chepauk
- Animal Kingdom Theme Restaurant, 44, 1st Main Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar
Hotels and Resorts in Chennai
| Place Name | Address | Phone Number |
| Ilara Hotels & Spa | 1A, 1B, 1/13, Old Mahabalipuram Rd, OMR, Navalur, Tamil Nadu | 098846 88882 |
| Green Meadows Resort | 4, 364 A, Anna Salai Rd, Palavakkam Kuppam, Palavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 099449 90950 |
| Mango Nest Nature Resort | No:1, River View Enclave, Teesta Street, 3 Road, Manapakkam Main Rd, HL: Families:, Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 095823 36006 |
| Sarojini Gardens | Nazarathpettai, Tamil Nadu | 098844 12558 |
| The Green Leaf Resort | 5/79, SH 49, near Buhari Hotel, Raja Nagar, Neelankarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 044 4852 0060 |
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